Evaluating Search Results

Broaden your search to increase search results and narrow your search to decrease search results. Use the following table to estimate the appropriate number of documents for a substantial research project.

RESULTS

ACTION

STRATEGIES

Too few
(5 documents)

Broaden your search

Use the OR operator
Use truncation

Just right the right number
(50 documents)

Review search results for appropriate materials

30 relevant documents should enable you to make a good start on your research project.